Deborah Kirschner

About Deborah Kirschner

I am a passionate, non-profit leader committed to improving the quality of life for diverse communities, with a proven track record of developing high-impact marketing, communications, government relations and community engagement initiatives that advance the mission and vision of the organizations that I serve.I currently serve as Vice President of Communications and External Relations at Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that operates Brooklyn\'s flagship park in partnership with the City. In this role, I have overseen the development of a new brand identity, and the organization\'s first comprehensive community engagement and marketing strategic plans. I also oversee lobbying and advocacy work for the organization, resulting in more than $50 million raised for the park in the past few years alone. I work closely with the Board of Directors, chairing its Community Engagement Committee, and also lead community-engagement initiatives in the organization\'s five-year strategic plan. Prior to the Alliance, I played a senior role in the communications office at The New School, where I oversaw external communications for one of the leading international design schools, Parsons School of Design. I serve on the leadership of the Play Fair Coalition, which advocates for funding for NYC Parks, as well as co-chair the communications and advocacy committee of Parks and Open Space Partners. I helped to found Open House New York, and served on its governing board for close to a decade. I received my Bachelor\'s Degree at Lafayette College, and hold a Master’s Degrees in Journalism from New York University and participated in the Master in Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with my husband Harlan, daughter Ava and our dog, Ellie.

Experience

1. Vice President, Communications and External Relations

   Prospect Park Alliance

   Mar 2018 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   Set strategic direction for $18M public-private partnership responsible for flagship New York City park. Report to the President, serve on the Senior Leadership Team and chair Board Committee.* Responsible for planning, development + effectiveness of marketing + audience development strategies: increased email audience tenfold + 60% year-over-year growth of social media + website.* Lead community relations and government relations efforts, including lobbying activities that have secured more than $100M in capital funding.* Play leadership role in development of institutional strategic plan, including new health & wellness initiative that brings social services to park audiences.* Launched organization’s first online giving and year-end giving campaigns, working collaboratively with Chief Advancement Officer to raise $1M each year in revenue.* Co-chair Advocacy + Communications committee for citywide parks and open space coalition, and serve on leadership committee of city’s primary parks and open space advocacy campaign.* Direct five-person team + consultants; define project goals, develop talent, oversee budget.

Education

• Parsons School of Design - The New School

  Master's (Non-Degree Student), Decorative Arts

• Lafayette College

  BA, English

• New York University

  MA, Journalism

Skills

• Editorial
• Content Strategy
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Copy Editing
• Non-Profits
• Nonprofits
• Blogging
• Strategic Communications
• Publications
• Newsletters
• Press Releases
• Editing
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Publicity